We all know that getting a Chinese visa can be a cumbersome process and a green card even more so. Ambiguous rules and their inconsistent enforcement have led to frustration amongst some expats in their struggles to reside here legally (see this post on Beijing-kids.com about China’s ambiguous dual citizenship policy). But now, according to a Global Times article, a new and more comprehensive immigration law could be passed and implemented by as early as 2011 that could, in theory, make the process of obtaining a visa and the associated rules and benefits much clearer.

Currently, there is a perception that the existing policy and regulations are problematic and inconsistently applied. Beijing Institute of Technology law professor Liu Guofu is (somewhat ambiguously) quoted as saying that once foreigners obtain a green card, “they are not able to get education, medical and social security benefits” – which we interpret as meaning green card holders in China, for various unspecified reasons, often do not receive the social welfare benefits (i.e. housing funds, local tax rates etc.) that their status entitles them to.  

Moreover, the article points out that while some people have taken issue with the strict rules and bureaucratic documentation involved in obtaining a green card, the new law would not make it any easier.  (Not surprisingly the Ministry of Public Security’s English website is still under construction)

What this latest round of legislative discussion will hopefully lead to are new and better immigration and visa laws to address these inconsistencies and ambiguities – the article says that new categories of visas with “more flexible expiration dates” will likely be rolled out, though the no further details are offered.

For now, it seems that if you are working or studying in China legally (i.e. with a valid Z or X visa) this could good news; but if you’re one of the many foreigners here indefinitely on tourist or business visas (i.e. L or F visas – see glossary below), be prepared for some seriously potentially ma fan next year.  

Different types of visas:

L (lüyou) – Tourist Visa The L visa is issued for family visits, sightseeing or “other private purposes.” L visas usually grant a period of 90 days to enter China and are generally valid for 30 days, though one may request a longer stay (they’ve been known to grant up to 180 days). Double- or multiple-entry is available.

F (fangwen) – Business Visa Officially, the F visa is designated for foreigners who are coming for a visit, an investigation or a lecture; to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies; or to intern for a period of no more than six months. They are also issued to students studying for up to six months. As with the L visa, F visas usually grant you a period of 90 days to enter China and are then valid for 30 days, though a visa officer can, and usually will, grant a longer duration of stay. It is possible to get double- or multiple-entry visas for a stay of six or twelve months, for which one needs more documentation, such as a visa-issuance letter from a Chinese governmental organization or invitation letters from both a foreign company and its branch in China.

Z (jiuye) – Work Visa The Z visa allows the bearer to work full-time in China with a Chinese or foreign company, school or other entity and is also granted for accompanying family members. Applicants need a visa notification issued from the inviting organization and a work permit issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry or a Foreign Expert’s License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau. Family members need proof of kinship.

X (xuexi) – Student Visa The X visa is intended for foreigners who come to China to study or intern for more than six months. Students need letters from their university.

G (guojing) – Transit Visa Required for travelers staying in China for over 24 hours. Single- and double-entry visas are available. This visa grants a period of 90 days to enter China and is valid for 7-10 days per entry. Details for nationalities vary, so check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country first.

D (dingju) – Resident Visa D visas are for foreigners who set up permanent residence in China. Apply through the local entry-exit department of the public security bureau in the city or county of planned residence.

J (jizhe) – Journalist Visa J-1 visas are issued to journalists working in China for over one year. J-2 visas are issued to those on temporary assignments in China. Applicants need to submit a press card and official letter from the Department of News, a branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

C (chengwu) – Crew Visa C visas are issued to crew members (and their accompanying family members) on international trains, airliners or water vessels.

Tourist Group Visa For a group of at least five people entering and leaving China together.

Diplomatic or Service Visa Issued to members of diplomatic missions, foreign governments, or the UN, traveling to China on official missions or for accreditation.

Exit & Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau Mon-Sat 8.30am-4.30pm. 2 Andingmen Dongdajie (by Xiaojie Qiao), Dongcheng District. (8402 0101, 8401 5294) 北京市公安局出入境管理处，东城区安定门东大街2号